Lenoir City Council members violate own sign policy

Political signs in Lenoir City seem to be violating the law passed in May restricting political signs to the last 30 days before an election. This sign for Glen McNish, seen Tuesday, is posted on the right of way on Broadway Street. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Political signs in Lenoir City seem to be violating the law passed in May restricting political signs to the last thirty days before an election. This sign for Harry Wampler, seen Tuesday, is posted on the right of way along U.S. 321 hear the intersection with Broadway Street. MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL

Members of the Lenoir City Council apparently forgot some important details of an ordinance they passed less than six months ago that banned campaign signs from public property and rights of way until 30 days before the Nov. 6 election.

As early as the end of last week, candidates, including council members Bobby Johnson Sr. and Harry Wampler, began placing signs on public land and rights of way including Highway 321 and even in front of city hall.

According to the ordinance passed unanimously in May, public election signs shall be permitted not more than thirty (30) days prior to the set date of a city, primary or general election for the office being sought, not from early voting dates, and shall be removed not more than three (3) days following the date of election.

Lenoir City codes enforcement officer Leslie Johnson saw some of the signs on public property last weekend and early this week took actions that included sending letters to all the candidates that reminded them of the new law.

"The candidates were contacted today regarding their election signs being located within the public right-of-ways of Lenoir City too early as regulated by ordinance. The candidates in violation stated they would have them removed or relocated to private property immediately," Johnson said. Johnson said the early placement of the signs seemed like a mistake.

"I believe it was a misunderstanding of early voting dates versus election day for the 30 day period to begin," she said.

Signs should not go out for another three weeks.

"I have determined that date to be Saturday, October 6th which is 30 days from the election day of November 6th, 2012," she said.

Bobby Johnson Jr. said he began putting out signs for his father Saturday. He confirmed that the mix-up was caused by a misunderstanding about the date of the election versus the date of early voting.

Johnson Jr. said he was out in the rain for several hours Monday removing his father's signs from public property. He confirmed that a number of other candidates' signs were still on public property Tuesday afternoon. Other candidates could not be reached for comment.

The city council first began debating the issue in March. Members of the council, including Johnson Sr., said that they were concerned about the image the signs presented, especially to tourists passing through on Highway 321. Johnson Sr. even suggested that the city consider doing away with signs altogether.

In addition to changing the date signs could be placed on public property, the ordinance took steps to make sure the signs do not become a hazard.

"Public election signs may be located within a public right-of-way inside the city limits of Lenoir City but shall not be located in a manner to block visibility of traffic and are subject to removal by the city of Lenoir City if found to be a traffic hazard," the ordinance said.

The regulations don't apply to public election signs located on private property.